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The coronavirus crisis has left emergency services across the world stretched.

Since Boris Johnson announced a national lockdown, we have all been under strict instruction not to leave our homes unless absolutely necessary.

The only times we can leave our homes is to shop for essential items, such as food and medicines, to care for elderly or vulnerable people, to do daily exercise or to travel to and from key jobs if you can't work from home.

Despite the PM's clear rules, a number of people have been caught by police not complying.

From driving miles to walk their dogs to having a picnic on the beach to celebrate a friend's birthday, these are just some of the ridiculous reasons people have given Essex Police officers for not staying at home.

Here is a round-up of some of the most ridiculous:

The young men at a skate park with drug paraphernalia and alcohol

Two men 'bolted' when they say the officers (Image: Essex Police)

PCSO O’Donnell-Smith and PCSO Wallis were patrolling in Uttlesford on Sunday (March 29).

They had been checking areas reported by members of public for people who are not following the social distancing rules.

While patrolling Saffron Walden Skate Park, they made an interesting find.

PCSO O’Donnell-Smith said: “To the two lads who bolted from us at Saffron Walden skate park; feel free to come to the Police Lodge and reclaim your property, drug paraphernalia and alcohol. We’d love a little chat.

“We ask again, parents please speak to your children about what they are doing when they go out, they should not be going out unless it is an essential journey or exercise which should be on their own or with a person from their household.”

The people having a picnic on the beach to celebrate a birthday

On Sunday (March 29) officers patrolling the Essex coastal towns came across people sat on the beach enjoying a picnic.

The driver collecting a car from storage

The person who drove more than ten miles to walk their dog

The people who fancied a walk in the woods

They tweeted: "It was a lovely sunny afternoon however the rules re only ESSENTIAL travel and social distancing still apply. NONE of the 7-8 car parks for Epping Forest passed earlier were empty and several were full with cars on the road. Please, for the good of everyone #StayHomeSaveLives."

The people caught meeting up with mates in Maldon

On Thursday, March 26, officers patrolling Maldon came across a group of people ignoring the government guidelines and meeting up with friends.

A spokesperson for Essex Police posted on Facebook: "We have covered a number of miles patrolling Maldon and all towns/villages in the Dengie. A few people were questioned about their ‘necessity’ for being out of their homes, meeting up with mates isn’t one of the government guidelines."

The group who left home for an off-road bike gathering in Grays

On Thursday, March 26 officer on patrol in Grays came across a group of people who had left home to attend a bike gathering, something that is not classed as essential travel.

A spokesperson for Essex Police posted on Facebook: "Earlier our team dispersed an off-road bike gathering in Long Lane Grays, and issued three people with section 59 (of the Police Reform act) warnings issued which will remain in place for 12 months.

What is a section 59?

A section 59 allows the police to give drivers a warning if they are reported to have used their vehicle in a manner which causes "alarm, distress or annoyance"

Police closed a road because of people who wanted to feed the ducks

This road was closed because of high number of people visiting to feed the ducks (Image: Facebook: Essex Police-Tendring)

On Tuesday March 31 police closed Promenade Way in Brightlingsea after a high number of people traveled to the coast to feed the ducks.

A spokesperson for Essex Police posted on Facebook: "In consultation with Brightlingsea Town Council Promenade way in Brightlingsea has been temporarily closed by the Leisure Park. This is due to high numbers of people driving to the area. Yesterday we had to disperse several people, sitting on the banks & seats chatting and feeding the ducks

Here are some ridiculous 999 calls:

The caller asking if their holiday will be cancelled

The caller who reported Chickens on the loose

The man who kept calling 999 to tell them he was going outside

On the whole people have been following government guidelines by only leaving home when necessary and following social-distancing ruleswhen out in public.